Ray could not remember ever feeling this nervous. Anxious, yes, scared sometimes, who didn’t? But nervous, that just wasn’t in his nature. He wanted this day to be over and to be lying in bed with Jessica, his arms wrapped tightly around her. Skip the reception, skip the hoopla, and just say the words to make Jessica his wife, then physically consummate the marriage.

Wiping a cold sweat from his brow, Ray paced back and forth in the barn. It was the only quiet place he could find. Carrie had barred anyone from entering before the ceremony, but Ray had snuck in, finding respite from the suddenly overcrowded ranch. He had no idea how he was going to make it through this day, but he knew one thing, he was going to cry like a baby when he laid eyes on his bride.

The barn was an older building on the back of the property that was no longer in use, once the larger red one had been built closer to the main road. The weathered, gray building had been transformed for the ceremony.

Wes had his crew clean the place from top to bottom. Borrowing pews from the local church, the ranch hands had lugged in the heavy wooden benches. The pews sat in rows, making two sides of seating with an aisle down the middle.

The day before when Ray had picked up the brisket, Wes had brought him to the barn to get a glimpse. Ray chuckled at the memory of a scrappy little curly headed blonde standing in the middle of the barn with one hand on her hip and one hand pointed up, bossing the big men while they worked. Carrie had them hanging over a hundred strands of globe lights from the rafters, all while making sure not to crush her handmade pink paper stars that they had hung earlier in the day. The hard work had paid off, and Carrie’s vision had transformed the abandoned space into something Ray could only describe as, ‘Ranch Romantic’.

Now, Ray sat quietly admiring the carefully hung lights. The doors to the barn opened, letting in a sliver of sunlight. Wes appeared, calling out, “There’s the man of the hour. I’ve brought the sister of the groom with me.” Stepping aside, Wes revealed a pretty girl standing timidly in the doorframe of the big barn.

Laying eyes on his sister for the first time, Ray felt the tears welling up already. He would never make it through this day without his handkerchief, that was for sure.

Ray walked over to the half-sister he had never met. Buttercup looked up at him from under her dark lashes, her hands clenched at her sides. Towering almost two feet above her, Ray gently held out his hand and was careful to speak softly. “Pleasure to meet you, Buttercup. That’s a beautiful dress.”

Buttercup took his hand, shaking it, and quickly releasing it.

“Thank you,” she murmured, looking down at the purple cotton shift dress. “Carrie gave it to me.”

Ray smiled, grateful that Carrie had known just what to buy when he asked her to pick up a dress for his sister.

“The color suits you,” Ray said, looking over the familiar features of Buttercup’s face. She had the same high cheekbones of his father and the same red tint in her dark hair. “You favor Dad. Sorry to stare, but I hadn’t seen him in a long time.”

“That’s okay,” Buttercup said. “You look like him too, you know,” she said, smiling shyly.

Wes cleared his throat, “I’ll leave you two for a bit. Carrie just gave me a list as long as my arm when we got back from the airport. She had a few, last minute things that she wants to be checked on.”

“Thank you for the ride, Weston,” Buttercup said politely.

“Anytime, Buttercup.” Wes tipped his cowboy hat, hurrying along his way.

Buttercup brushed past Ray, walking down the aisle. Her eyes trailed over the lights and stars as she made her way through the barn. Ray followed behind her, taking a seat next to her on one of the pews.

“Thank you for coming.”

“I was happy to,” Buttercup said. “I wouldn’t want to miss my brother’s wedding.”

Ray laughed. “Little did you know you had a brother, right? Much less that he was getting married.”

“I don’t know why Dad never told me that we were his second family. Well, I guess I do. No one wants to brag about running out on a mother and a son.” There was an edge to her voice as she spoke. “But let’s not talk about that stuff. We’ve already covered the crappy stuff over the phone.” Buttercup picked at the hem of her dress.

“You’re right. Let’s get to know the good stuff.” Leaning back in the pew, Ray turned to Buttercup, asking, “What’s your favorite color?”

Buttercup laughed. It was a pretty sound, and one that Ray got the sense wasn’t often heard. This young woman had a very serious, somewhat sad, air about her, must have been a product of life circumstance. “Purple,” she said, gesturing at her dress.

Ray found Buttercup’s presence to be calming. Feeling his nerves begin to leave his body, Ray laughed and joked with his sister. As it had been with their talk over the phone, Ray felt that he already knew Buttercup and the conversation flowed naturally. Beginning to enjoy his wedding day for the first time that day, Ray relaxed. There was just one last worry nagging at the back of Ray’s mind, he hoped he hadn’t overstepped his bounds with the wedding gift he had taken the liberty of surprising his bride with.

* * *

Halfway through his checklist, Wes stopped at the barn to catch his breath. Saying a gentle hello to each horse, Wes stopped at Mabel’s stall. Petting her tawny coat, Wes thought of the day he finally broke her. The memory of riding the mustang for the first time, galloping over the hills of the ranch, made Wes wish he could take her down to the creek bed now, and be done with this wedding nonsense.

Since hitting rock bottom with the wedding planning and snapping at Mama, Wes had helped Carrie learn to manage her stress. As soon as Wes had gotten back from the airport, he had brought Carrie out to the barn and given her bottom one last thrashing, not too hard, but enough to leave a little sting on her backside to remind her to mind her manners today.

Reaching into his pocket for a sugar cube, Wes suddenly stopped, to Mabel’s annoyance, and turned towards the barn doors. A familiar voice was singing the tune to the wedding march.

“Dum, dum, da dum, Dum dum, da dum,” the sound got louder. May gave a small whinny, bumping her nose against Wes’ shoulder.

Chuckling, Wes pet her soft head. “Here you go, girl. You’re just about as impatient as my wife,” he said, as May took the sugar cube from Wes’ hand. Giving the white star on her head a final pat, Wes headed to the barn doors to investigate.

Just as Wes reached the doors, they burst open. The sun blinded Wes momentarily. When his eyes adjusted to the light, Wes stood speechless by the sight before him.

“Brother,” Garrett shouted, throwing his arms open wide, embracing Wes.

“Garrett, what are you doing here?” At the sight of his younger brother’s face, Wes was torn with emotions. Garrett would always be Wes’ little brother and a fierce sense of protection and love was currently battling with absolute fury. What type of man leaves his pregnant fiancée stranded, disappears for months, then shows up at the wedding? Regardless of his conflicting emotions, Wes tightly hugged Garrett back. It was good to feel Garrett’s flesh and bones and see his face, just to know he was still kicking. “We haven’t heard from you, brother. What’s been going on?”

“I heard Jessica’s getting hitched. Thought I should be here for the big day.” Garrett’s wide, white Hollywood grin spread across his handsome face. Hair gelled and perfectly spiked and wearing a suit that Wes guessed cost more than the horse he had just visited, Garrett looked like himself. Which wasn’t something Wes could say about the last time he had seen Garrett. Wes’ last vision of his younger brother was Garrett leaving the ranch, caked in dirt and bleeding from the nose. They had a knock down drag out that put their childish fights to shame. And it was all over Garrett abandoning Jessica.

“I’m not so sure that’s a good idea, Garrett. It’s a gift to see your face. I just don’t know if this is the appropriate occasion for the prodigal son to make his return.”

“S’okay, I figured as much, I’ll make myself scarce. I can hide in the back of the barn for the ceremony.”

Detecting a hint of a slur in Garrett’s speech, Wes grabbed his brother’s shoulder, pulling Garrett towards him. “Garrett, have you been drinking?”

Garrett tried to push away Wes’ hand, stumbling, and catching himself as he did. “Nah man. Why do you always have to accuse me of the worst?”

Tightening his hold on Garrett, Wes began to pat down the pockets of his brother’s Italian suit jacket. Wes’ hand hit something small and hard. Wes quickly retrieved it from the jacket pocket.

Garrett tried to stop him, but Wes was still fast, having the advantage of being sober.

Holding the silver flask in front of him, Wes eyed Garrett, twisted the top off and took a sniff. Whiskey. And the flask was just about empty. “Damn it, Garrett,” Wes hissed through his teeth.

“I just had a sip to get me through the day. You know this is hard on me, too, brother. Look what I gave up.” Giving a slightly hysterical sounding laugh, Garrett held his arms out, gesturing at the ranch around him. “My fiancée, my baby, my family, my ranch.” The laugh quickly turned to tears, then tears to sobs. Garrett leaned into Wes.

Wrapping his arms around his baby brother, Wes held Garrett while he cried. What was Wes going to do with him? Always messing things up with his selfish ways, Wes still wanted to fix the problems for his younger sibling. It had torn Wes to pieces the last time he had watched Garrett drive off the ranch, and now, he would have to do it all over again.

Despite his love for Garrett, the only two people whose feelings mattered today were Jessica and Ray. Garrett’s arrival, especially in his current condition, could only bring the couple heartache. And so, Wes would have to get Garrett off the ranch, yet again.

Wes' throat closed as he felt the beginning of tears burn behind his eyes. “Let’s get you out of here,” Wes rasped. Wiping tears from his eyes, Garrett nodded. Wes wrapped his arm heavily around Garrett’s shoulders, guiding him away from the barn.

Rounding the corner to the back of the barn, Wes spotted Gary, leaning against an old barrel and chewing on a piece of hay.

“Hiding?” Wes asked Gary, already knowing the answer. The only thing Gary hated in this world, was crowds, especially at social gatherings. He would rather deal with an ornery bull than attend this wedding. Wes was going to do them both a favor.

Gary stood from his slumped position on the barrel, throwing the hay from his mouth, to the ground. “Yes, Boss. Sorry. I love Jessica and all but… say,” Gary stepped forward to get a closer look, “who you got there?”

Wiping his eyes with the back of his silk suit jacket, Garrett said, “Well, hey there, Gary. I was just dropping in, but it looks like I came at a bad time.”

A confused look crossed Gary’s face. One of the ranch’s hardest workers, but slowest to solve a problem, Gary scratched his head. “Well, I suppose now’s as good a time as any?”

“It’s not,” Wes said simply. “Garrett here had a few too many before the celebration. I need you to take him off the ranch and bring him back tomorrow, sober. Gary, would you mind taking Garrett over to the Burger Barn for a couple of hours?” Wes pulled a large bill from his wallet. “You all can hit the steakhouse in Clinton, too.”

Gary’s eyes went wide. It took a lot of Texas beef to feed his big frame. “Sure, Boss, you got it.” Gary carefully took the bill and folded it, placing it into the back pocket of his Wranglers.

“Wait right here, Garrett.” Wes leaned in and whispered into Gary’s ear, “Don’t let him leave your sight.” As soon as Gary had taken a few steps closer to Garrett, who was now the one slumped on the barrel, chewing hay, Wes took off jogging towards his red truck. Looking over his shoulder, he was relieved to see that Gary and Garrett were out of sight from the ranch house.

Wes quickly climbed into his faithful, red truck. Turning the key, he sat back in the driver’s seat for a moment to collect his thoughts, then drove behind the barn. Throwing the truck into park, Wes jumped out of the driver’s side and helped Garrett into the passenger seat of the truck. “Take care, Garrett. I’ll see you tomorrow,” Wes said as he gently shut the door.

Wes met Gary at the driver’s door of the truck. “Is there any way he can stay at your place tonight, and you can bring him back in the morning? He’s in bad shape and I need you to keep a real close eye on him.”

“Sure thing, Boss.” With a tip of his hat, Gary climbed into the truck, shut the door, and made his way down the long, dusty drive. Wes watched as the truck passed under The Lonestar Cattle Company sign and headed onto the main road.

Worrying would have to wait. Wes had a good friend that he needed to walk down the aisle.

* * *

Mud splashed up and over Jessica’s boots. “Shoot.” Investigating the damage, she saw that the bottoms of her jeans were speckled with the mud as well. “Double shoot,” she growled, trying to watch her language, as Ray had recently requested of her.

A giggle came from her left. “Good thing you weren’t wearing a white dress,” Carrie said.

Digging through the diaper bag that was slung over her shoulder, Jessica found the half-empty pack of baby wipes she was looking for. Kneeling, Jessica furiously scrubbed at the denim. Giving up, she tossed the wipes back in the bag. “It’s no use,” she said, laughing at her predicament.

Carrie pulled Jessica up from the ground, linking arms with her. “It’s okay, Bridezilla. You look beautiful. Besides, I have a little something up at the house that will take care of that mud.”

Jessica looked down at the simple cream-colored linen top she had chosen for the ceremony. Still clean. She had paired it with her nicest jeans and boots for her special day.

“Let me guess, milk?” Jessica said, smiling as she looked over her matron of honor. The ranch was known for its strange concoctions for stain removal from fabrics. Always leery of the strange recipes, Jessica stuck to using her trusty stain stick on her own laundry.

Carrie looked adorable in her pink, lace eyelet top and her light blue faded jeans, the outfit complete with the red cowgirl boots. Carrie’s hair had been expertly braided by Wes, Jessica had no doubt. “I’m so glad Ray put up that sign. Wedding dress shopping with you was about to kill me.” Wrinkling up her face, Carrie pretended to faint.

“Stop it,” Jessica said, nudging her little friend with her elbow.

“Ouch,” Carrie replied, laughing. “Careful there, or I’ll tell your daddy on you.”

Jessica stuck her tongue out at Carrie. “Ray is not my daddy. We have been over this before,” she replied, hotly, willing the flush she could feel creeping up her cheeks, to disappear.

“I think the lady doth protest too much,” Carrie quoted Macbeth with a dramatic flair. “He is so spanking your butt. I just know it.”

“Carrie, hasn’t your daddy taught you any manners? I swear you are as meddlesome as they come. Some subjects are not up for public discussion.”

“I bet you five bucks you are calling Ray, daddy, by the end of the month.”

Groaning, Jessica rolled her eyes. She was relieved to see Mama approaching them, Carrie would have to behave in Mama’s presence.

“Jessica, what a beautiful bride.” Mama stretched her arms out, embracing Jessica in a warm hug. “Oh, sweetheart. I am so happy for you and Ray. So happy this day has come.”

“I’m going to go make sure the widowers haven’t broken out in a brawl about their side dishes,” Carrie said, giving Jessica and Mama a kiss on the cheek. “Jess, meet me in my old room in ten minutes.” She pointed at Jessica and threatened, “Do not be late, young lady,” Carrie quipped. Mama and Jessica watched the departing Carrie as she skipped up the ranch house steps. The porch was already brimming with guests.

Sighing, Jessica asked Mama, “What does that girl have up her sleeve?”

“Oh, she just wants to help you with those jeans,” Mama said, nonchalantly. “You know the enzymes in milk can take out any stain.”

“So, I’ve heard,” Jessica said with a laugh.

“Jessica,” Mama said softly, looking shyly up at Jessica, “you don’t have something blue yet, do you?”

Jessica had been so busy, the age-old adage; something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, hadn’t even crossed her mind. “Let’s see, something old, that’s my jeans of course,” Jessica said, looking down at the muddy bottoms that were quickly drying into a hard crust. “Something new is my top. I don’t have anything borrowed or blue.”

“Carrie has the borrowed covered,” Mama said. “And I have something blue.” Her eyes met Jessica’s and together, they shared in the sorrow. There were unshed tears in Mama’s eyes and Jessica knew the tears were for Kevin. Having been Wes’ ranch hand since he was sixteen years old, Kevin had become a part of Mama’s family. “I hate to be the one to make you cry on your wedding day, Jessica, but Kevin had to be here on this special day.”

From her pocket, Mama pulled out a little blue fabric rosette. Gently, she took Jessica’s hand and placed the beautiful little flower into in.

Twirling the gift in her hand, Jessica took a closer look at the rosette. There was a silver pin on the back, making it into a broach. The soft, blue fabric was flannel, and upon closer inspection, Jessica saw that there were thin, white stripes running through the blue. Tears stung her eyes and her throat burned. In her hand, she held the very fabric of her brother’s treasured flannel shirt. The one he had worn almost every day. Jessica’s eyes locked onto Mama’s.

“Thank you,” Jessica whispered, her voice hoarse with emotion.

“Let me pin it on you.” Mama took the rosette and carefully pinned it to the linen fabric of Jessica’s shirt. The placement was not lost on Jessica, the flower hung right over Jessica’s heart. “I’m sorry to lay something so heavy on you before…” Ma stopped, wiping at her damp eyes.

Gently placing a reassuring hand on top of Mama’s, Jessica said, “It’s beautiful. Thank you for remembering him.”

From her other pocket, Mama brought a packet of tissues, handing them to Jessica. “From Carrie,” Mama said, laughing. “Something borrowed. When she saw what I was working on, Carrie knew that you would need the tissues. She said she doesn’t want them back, though.”

Jessica gave a little laugh. “Of course, she did.” It was so like Carrie to do something thoughtful, and still say something silly.

“Enough of the waterworks. I’ve got to save some tears for when you walk down the aisle.” Mama took the tissue that Jessica handed her, and together, they dabbed at their eyes. “I still can’t believe Ray Stevenson finally stole your heart. It sure took him long enough. And now, Evan will have the dad he deserves.” Mama gave Jessica a wistful look. No one could have anticipated that Mama’s son, Garrett, would leave Jessica at the end of her pregnancy. Garrett’s name went unspoken on the ranch, and Jessica was glad Mama loved Ray as much as she did. Ray would be the one to be at the baseball games, kissing the scraped knees, helping with homework. The one Evan would run to and tell about his day. To be the father that her little boy needed. Not Garrett.

“All’s well that ends well, right? I know a very wise woman who always says that,” Jessica said with a wink, throwing one of Mama’s famous lines at her.

“So true. A wise old woman must have told you that,” Mama said with a laugh, linking arms with Jessica and leading her to the house so she wasn’t late to meet Carrie.

“You’re only as old as you feel,” Jessica quipped, throwing Mama another line.

* * *

Jessica sat on the bed, taking a deep breath, and calming her nerves. In a matter of minutes, she would become Jessica Stevenson. And it was beginning to look as if she would be doing so dressed like she just got out of a rodeo.

Picking at the dried mud with her fingernail, Jessica sighed again giving up on trying to salvage the stained material. Ray didn’t care what she wore, he was the one that had picked the jeans in the first place.

There was a soft knock at the door. “Come in,” Jessica called.

The door opened to reveal her mother. As soon as they locked eyes, they both began to cry. Jessica stood and met her mom in a warm embrace. “Mom,” she said.

Tearfully, her mother held her at arm’s length. “Oh, Jessica.” She fingered the little rosette that sat on Jessica’s chest, pointing to her own. There was a matching rose pinned over her mother’s heart. Let the waterworks commence, there was no use holding back. Jessica and her mother laughed at their tears and began crying again.

“Thank goodness, you don’t have on your mascara, yet!” An alarmed Carrie made her way into the room. In one hand, she held a black garment bag that was as long as Carrie was tall. In the other, she held a pink unicorn makeup bag. “Sit, sit, sit.” Carrie ushered the women to sit down on the bed.

“Carrie, what is in your hand?” Jessica asked, warily eyeing the black, zippered garment bag.

Carrie innocently looked down at her hands. “Jessica, haven’t you ever seen a makeup bag?” she asked, sweetly.

“The other thing,” Jessica said, pointing to Carrie’s other hand.

“What? This old thing?” she said, holding it up, teasingly. Carrie placed the pink unicorn bag carefully on the dresser. She walked over to the closet and ceremoniously hung the garment bag from the hook that was attached to the top of the door.

Looking over her shoulder at Jessica, Carrie said, “Just a little wedding gift from Ray.” Before she could pull down the zipper, Mama poked her head in the door.

“Just a minute, Carrie, I need Jessica’s boots.” Mama held her hands out to Jessica. Jessica quickly pulled her muddy boots off, careful not to let the dry dirt flake off onto Mama’s Navajo rug. “I’ll get these fixed rights up,” Mama said with a wink as she left the room.

“Are you ready to see your gift, Jessica?” Carrie asked.

Nervous butterflies filled Jessica’s stomach. It had to be what she thought it was. But that didn’t make sense. Ray had wanted them to be married in denim.

Slowly unzipping the zipper and dramatically pulling back the fabric of the bag, Carrie revealed a lacy dress the color of buttercream. Walking over to Carrie’s side, Jessica took a closer look. The dress had elbow length sleeves, the lacy top falling into a sweetheart neckline, the fabric cascading from the waist down to what looked to be knee length. Jessica reached out, brushing the material with her fingertips. The dress was so simple, so beautiful, so—Jessica.

Looking over her shoulder to comment to Carrie and her mother, Jessica found they had quietly snuck out of the room, leaving her alone with the dress and her thoughts. Dabbing at her eyes, Jessica continued to look at the dress, thinking, how can a man know a woman as well as Ray knows me?

The blue rosette on her chest begged to not be forgotten. Carefully, Jessica unpinned it placing it on the dresser. “You will look even prettier on this dress, trust me,” she promised the little flower.

Taking off her linen shirt and jeans, Jessica left them in a ball on the floor. She somehow knew the dress would fit perfectly, and she wouldn’t be needing the everyday outfit she had tried to make special for this day.

With reverence, Jessica removed the garment from the hanger, surprised by its weight. Unable to locate a zipper, Jessica carefully pulled the dress over her head, discovering the material was stretchy, with give. Jessica slipped her arms through the sleeves.

The dress fell into place, the hem hitting her knees. The fit could not have been more perfect; it was as if the dress had been designed for her body. Jessica turned to the full-length antique mirror that stood in the corner of the room. Her hands covered her mouth as she gave a little, surprised gasp of delight. The dress complemented every inch of her curves. Jessica did a little twirl, watching as the skirt flew out, twisting over itself as she came to a stop, then fell right back into place.

A little knock rapped at the door, and Carrie called, “Are you decent?” entering the room without waiting for a reply.

Carrie stopped in mid-stride at the sight of Jessica. “Oh, Jessica.”

Mama and Jessica’s mother quickly followed Carrie into the room. There was a chorus of “Oh, Jessicas” and a flurry of tears and laughter. Jessica noticed that they had all changed into their own casual, but beautiful dresses.

“So, you were all in on this?” Jessica asked.

“Just the wedding party,” Mama said. Ray told us what he was up to but wanted to keep it very casual. The town is still coming in jeans.

Jessica looked down at the dress again, she could not seem to take her eyes away from the beautiful buttery fabric. “How did he know it would fit?”

Signaling for Jessica to sit, Carrie made her way over with the make-up bag. “Ray had it made for you. He’s been looking at wedding magazines for weeks. When he found the one he wanted, he took the picture from the magazine and the red dress that he bought you for your first official date, to a dressmaker. He was very specific on the color, buttercream to match your golden hair.”

“Of course, he did,” Jessica murmured.

Carefully sorting through her bag, Carrie pulled out a little white jewelry box. “This,” she said, handing the box to Jessica, “is from Wes. Something new.”

Jessica opened the little box to find a turquoise oval pendant hanging from a silver chain. “It’s beautiful,” she said, examining the precious stone in her hand. Her mother came around by her side taking the necklace from Jessica and clasping it around her daughter’s neck. Reaching over to the dresser top, her mother humbly lifted the little flower, pinning it to the dress. “Perfect,” she said, taking a step back and admiring Jessica.

Mama handed Jessica the good as new boots. “Something old,” she said with a smile.

“Very old,” Jessica laughed, grateful to be pulling on her trusty old kicks that she had bought as a sophomore in high school.

“Now quit your crying so I can do your make-up,” Carrie fussed, waving a tube of mascara in front of Jessica. The words on the package boasted the lie, ‘waterproof’. Jessica sat perfectly still, allowing Carrie to work her magic. She was about to become the world’s luckiest wife.

* * *

Straightening the sleeves of his navy suit, Ray stood, slightly calmer, at the makeshift altar. Looking out into the crowd, he smiled at the familiar faces. The town widows, all grandmothers to him, were tearing up, seated comfortably in the borrowed church pews. A few of the old bachelors dabbed a handkerchief at their eyes, as well.

Ray caught Buttercup’s eye and gave her a wink, receiving a sweet smile in return. Trying not to fidget in his new leather shoes, Ray shifted his weight and clasped his hands in front of him. Wes had somehow wrangled an old piano into the barn, and the church pianist began to play. The sweet melody drifted up to the rafters and the barn doors opened. Smiling, Ray watched as Jessica’s mom was seated. He laughed as Mama dragged Evan down the aisle, wearing a little suit with a red bowtie. Evan was the ring bearer, but uninterested in his duties. Instead of walking down the aisle, he was busy saying hello and patting the hand of every townsperson he recognized. Mama laughed and pulled until they finally made their way to their seats. Spotting Ray, Evan gave a delighted wave with his chubby little hand.

The melody changed, and the familiar notes of the bridal march rose up from the piano. The tears were already starting to form as everyone stood, facing the closed doors at the back of the barn.

When the doors re-opened, a beam of sunlight surrounded Jessica and Wes. The sight of his fiancée took Ray's breath from him. The cream lace dress fit her beautifully, her golden hair cascading over her shoulders.

Those trivial things could not compare to the look on her face. It shone with joy. Arm in arm with Wes, they began the slow march up the aisle. And Ray began to cry. Huge choking sobs emerged from the big man. Halfway up the aisle Jessica suddenly dropped Wes’ arm, and with cowgirl boots flying, ran the rest of the way up the aisle. Throwing herself into Ray’s arms, she said, laughing, “Oh, Ray, I just couldn’t wait for another second.” Her grin reached both sides of her face.

Ray held Jessica tightly to his chest, then gently placed her on the ground in front of him. Grabbing both of her hands, his eyes staring into hers, he said, “You are a vision.” Smiling, Jessica blinked back tears in reply.

“That sure beats your bride running in the other direction. Brings a new meaning to the term runaway bride, doesn’t it?” the preacher joked.

The guests laughing, Wes found his seat by Mama and Buttercup and the ceremony began.

Ray rubbed his thumbs over the tops of Jessica’s hands, staring at her while smiling and crying. He couldn’t say that he had waited for this day because he simply thought this day would never come. Ray had made peace with his bachelorhood, long ago. But once Jessica had kissed him, Ray felt as if he had been living in a desert without a drop to drink, and now he had a pool of water to swim in.

Listening to the preacher with one ear, Ray focused on the woman who was becoming his wife.

* * *

If Jessica took one more bite of potluck delicacies, her dress was literally going to pop open. Deciding to risk it, she downed three more spoonfuls of her mother’s banana pudding. The creamy confection hitting her tongue assured her that it was worth the gamble.

Grabbing Jessica by the arm, Harry twirled the bride towards him. “Woo-hoo, I got to get my dance with the bride!” he hooted as he pulled Jessica onto the dance floor. The parquet floor had been rented for the outdoor reception, as well as four, huge white tents. Round tables and folding chairs seated the dining guests, and Wes had added five long tables at the last minute, to hold the smoked brisket and potluck dishes. Jake, a friend of Kevin’s since grade school, had shyly offered his DJ skills to Jessica for the reception, in honor of Kev, and he was doing a wonderful job.

“Jake, play one for us old folks. It’s called Rainbow Connection,” Harry demanded, jovially.

Fiddling with his equipment, it only took Jake a moment to find the tune. “Yes, sir,” he said. The soft harmony tinkled through the air, as Harry twirled Jessica across the floor. He was a surprisingly good dancer. He sang along to the words of the song and Jessica sang with him, laughing when Harry declared, “I didn’t know any of you whippersnappers knew good music!”

“I didn’t peg this for a song you would request,” Jessica said.

Harry bent Jessica back into a dip, saying, “I have an eclectic taste in music.”

As the song ended, Ray was waiting patiently for a dance with his bride. Eyes shining, Ray held his hand out to Jessica. “May I have this dance?” Ray asked.

“Yes,” she answered, her feet floating to Ray and she took his hand.

Jessica hadn’t wanted any of the traditional dances, it was too painful. With so many deceased family members, Jessica had asked Jake to skip any of the standard wedding practices. Following her instructions, Jake was playing music to draw people out to the dance floor, as well as taking the wedding guests song requests.

As Ray wrapped his arm around Jessica’s waist, the familiar tune of Unchained Melody could be heard. Jessica leaned into Ray’s chest, swaying in time to the music. His embrace tightened as he said, “This was my request,” guiding his bride to the center of the dancefloor. Leaning down, Ray began to sing the words, “I’ve hungered for your touch,” quietly, to Jessica.

Pleasantly surprised by Ray’s velvety baritone, she whispered, “Ray, why have I never heard you sing before?”

“Never had a cause to,” he said, then continued to sing the words as if they had been written just for her.

Swaying in Ray’s arms, his melodious voice singing just for her, Jessica rested her head on the chest of her husband. Hers, to have and to hold, forever.